Reviewed by JustJen
Title: Kestral’s Talon
Author: Bey Deckard
Series: The Stonewatchers #1
Heroes: Kestrel/Talon/Grimma
Genre: MM Fantasy
Length: 426 Pages
Publisher: Bey Deckard
Release Date: May 23, 2016
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Following the Prentish/Nemarri war, Kes is rejected by his homeland under the guise of religious purity laws. Though he’s spared execution, the proud Nemarri’s fate is only marginally more merciful than death when he is sold into sexual slavery at a prosperous pleasure house.
Despite his stoic endurance, Kes knows he’s reaching his breaking point, but there is nothing he can do—there is no path to freedom in the Holy Prentish Empire, only a lifetime of humiliating servitude.
That is, until a beautiful young slave and his formidable master approach Kes in the marketplace and make an astonishing offer to take him home with them. The only problem: “home” is the accursed Horthmont Castle from the scare-stories of Kes’s childhood.
Thrown into a world of living myth, powerful magic, and ancient gods, Kes learns the secrets kept hidden by Horthmont’s thick blackstone walls. There he discovers something he thought he’d never know again: hope for the future.
Review: Leave it to Mr. Deckard to provide another fabulous fantasy to love, in addition to another unique threesome. This is the story of Kestrel, or Kes, a soldier who ended up captured and put into sexual slavery, though he has a history of having trouble submitting to his plight.
Kestrel’s luck finally changes when he ends up being purchased by a count and his slave, Talon, the dynamics of which really throw Kes off. Things are quite different than Kes was expecting when the dust all settles. There are a lot of interesting little branches interwoven in this storyline, not the least of them being the unslavelike behavior Talon exhibits. Then there is the mystery surrounding the Count, Grimma, who has a close relationship with Talon. However, nothing is what you’d think here. Grimma is asexual, his relationship with Talon consisting of emotional and comfort, not physical. Kes was purchased for the purpose of fulfilling those needs for Talon. As I said, things are quite different in this household.
I’m afraid that to say more about those differences would be giving too much away. Suffice to say that there is a lot going on here consisting of many layers, i.e. the relationship between Kes, Talon, Grim; the secret and history surrounding Grim and his household, as well as the bigger picture of finding allies to help recover land and end slavery. As I said, lots of interesting things going on here.
I loved the growing relationship between Kes and Talon, and then Grimma. Each played an important role and provided something each needed but could not get from the other. Kes and Talon together were hot stuff, and I loved how they involved Grim! This is not your average threesome, and I really enjoyed the differing aspects of it. In the end, they fit like an intricate puzzle, and it just worked for all.
This is a long story, but it never felt drawn out. It quickly pulls you in and envelops you in this feeling of warmth, much the same way Mr. Deckard’s other series, Baal’s Heart, did. If you enjoyed that, you will undoubtedly enjoy this one. It has the same feel, but is a bit sweeter. Mr. Deckard again gives us unique characters to fall for and I’m really excited this story will continue, as these guys surely have more in store, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story plays out.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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